CityView Vol-41 No-10 - Derry City vs Galway United - Friday 13th June

DERRY CITY F.C. v GALWAY UNITED F.C. LEAGUE OF IRELAND MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION MONDAY 13th JUNE 2025 | 7.45pm Vol. 41 - No. 10

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Welcome to...

GALWAY UNITED F.C.

DERRY CITY FOOTBALL CLUB Formed:

1928

Ground:

Brandywell Stadium

Manager:

Tiernan Lynch

Asst Manager:

Seamus Lynch

Coach:

Andy Mitchell

Co-Ordinator: GK Coach:

Patrick McEleney Michael Dougherty

Development:

Mark McChrystal

Head Analyst:

Rory Scott

S&D Coach

Danny Doherty

Physio:

Leah McCreadie

Kit Man:

Georgie Harkin

Kit Man:

Gerry Sheppard

Doctor:

Dr. Noel Boyle

Podiatrist:

Patrick McGill

CITYVIEW is the Official Match Day Programme of Derry City FC. The views expressed are, however, not necessarily those of the Board Of Directors, or indeed the Programme Committee. Design and Layout by Andrew Cassidy. Photographs courtesy of Event Images and Maiden City Images unless otherwise stated. Cover image

by Ramsey Cardy. Printing by City Print, Springtown Industrial Estate. Please support all of our sponsors. For queries about CityView contact andrew@derrycityfc.net

HONOURS:

League of Ireland Premier Division: 1988–89, 1996–97 FAI Cup: 1988–89, 1994–95, 2002, 2006, 2012, 2022 League of Ireland Cup: 1988–89, 1990–91, 1991–92, 1993–94, 1999–00, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2018 League of Ireland First Division: 1986–87, 2010 League of Ireland First Division Shield: 1985–86 Irish Football League: 1964–65 IFA Cup: 1948–49, 1953–54, 1963–64

Welcome back to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium for tonight’s game against Galway United.

Welcome also to John Caulfield, his staff and players and the officials and supporters from Galway United who have travelled up this evening.

We’re back after the mid-season break to begin the second half of the season as we welcome the Tribesmen back up to the Brandywell.

The last visit visit back in March ended in a 1-1 draw after a Michael Duffy penalty in the second half levelled up the scores after Moses Dyer’s first half goal.

Our visit to Eamon Deacy Park in April had a dramatic late finish as Gavin Whyte scored for City in the 94th minute and Vincent Borden scored for Galway on the 97th minute! The

game finished 3-2 to Derry City. Robbie Benson and Danny Mullen were the other two City goal scorers and there was also a red card shown to Cian Byrne for Galway.

We go into tonight’s game only 3 points apart in the league and only 1 goal apart on goal difference, so it’s certainly going to be a tight game! Let’s hope to get a good start to the second half of the season. It could go anywhere from here!

Enjoy the game!

TONIGHT’S MATCH OFFICIALS: Referee: DECLAN TOLAND

Assistant 1: Richard Storey |Assistant 2: Ciaran O’Reilly Fourth Official: Robert Dowling

TONIGHT’S MATCH SPONSOR:

PLEASE SUPPORT ALL OUR SPONSORS

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MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER

I’d like to extend a warm welcome to John Caulfield and the players, staff and supporters of Galway United to the Ryan McBride Brandywell ahead of tonight’s game.

We’re heading into the second half of the league programme tonight and as has been the case since the start, there is little separating all the teams in this league.

Obviously we went into the mid-season break on the back of a couple of defeats, and while I felt there were mitigating circumstances, our sole focus in training this week has been on getting back to where we were before that.

As with every other club, there are likely to be a couple of personnel changes between now and the end of the summer transfer window and we’ve made no secret of the fact that we’ve been working hard for weeks on strengthening the squad.

Injuries and suspensions are always a concern the deeper into the season you go and our supporters will be well aware that we’ve had our fair share of those

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already.

ture.

That will be a key part of any recruitment this summer, but as I’ve said time and again, I have every confidence in the core squad already here.

Much will be made of Galway’s defensive record and how difficult they are to play against, and while all of that is true, we must work hard to make our home ground a difficult place for any team to come.

You’ll have noticed that the FAI Cup draw also took place during the week and we’ve been drawn away to Treaty United in the first round.

I know they were here in the semi-final in 2022 and both clubs seem to have a good relationship on the back of that, so it’s a trip we’ll look forward to in due course.

For now however out complete focus will be on trying to get three points from what is a very difficult fix-

It’s very much all to play for as we start the second half and we will do everything in our power to start positively.

Enjoy the game

Tiernan Lynch, Manager

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DERRY CITY VS MANCHESTER UNITED 1990 As part of their pre-season Irish Tour Manchester United arrived at the Brandywell on Wednesday 8th August 1990.

They had already drawn with Cork City 0-0 and defeated Waterford 4-0. After the game against the Candystripes they went on to beat an Irish League Select 3-0 and Bohemians by the same score.

United had won the FA Cup the previous season with a squad valued at £14 million (roughly £44 million today) but if the capacity 10,000 attendance was anticipating a vintage performance from the visitors it wasn’t forthcoming. Indeed, it was the performances of some of the Derry players which lifted the game above the mundane.

City had an early scare but Wallace blasted the ball high and wide. As the opening half progressed Derry got into

By Francie McCauley their stride with their passing becoming surer and having more confidence in their play. With United’s defence looking unsure under pressure a good move saw a shot from Felix Healy flash wide of the post. Derry were punished just before the break however when Sharpe dribbled past four men and cut into the box, his shot was parried by Tim Dalton but Robins was on hand to put the ball into an empty net.

Heavy rain and a spate of substitutions affected the flow of things in the second half. Pallister and Phelan went close for the visitors and Dalton made a superb save from Robins on the hour mark. Pascal Vaudequin and Joe Hanrahan both went close at the other end before Hanrahan intercepted a slack back pass in the United defence, held off a challenge from Pallister before unleashing a blistering shot that flew past Leighton into the bottom corner to bring the teams level in injury time.

A 24-page programme (7 of adverts) was available for 50p. There was a ‘Welcome from the Chairman’, Ian Doherty, and a profile of Alex Ferguson. ‘Manchester United Pen Pictures’ took up three pages. ‘An Adequate Form of Consolation’

was about City’s involvement in the Texaco Cup competition in the 1969-70 season in which they reached a two legged final against Wolves.

Under the heading ‘Platform’, Martin Harkin reflected on that summer’s World Cup finals and in a two-page spread Mick Mc Bride recounted his ‘Visit to the Shrine’ that was Old Trafford for the 1967 Charity Shield game between United and Spurs. ‘Connections’ covered three players, Jimmy Delaney, Ernie Taylor and Joe Hanrahan, who had worn the shirt of both clubs.

We also had the ‘Half Time Quiz’, the ‘Crossword’ and Foyleman’s ‘Bits & Pieces.’ ‘Tonight’s Teams’ on the back page completed the programme.

United were to finish sixth in the 1990-91 First Division season.

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END OF AN ERA On Sunday 18th May at 12 noon Everton hosted Southampton in the last Premier League game to be played at the famous Goodison Park. It was the end of an era as next season after 133 years the Toffees will be kicking off in their new 52,888 seater super stadium on the banks of the Mersey. Since 1892 they have played 2,791 fixtures in the old ground which was the first purpose built one in the country. It has also welcomed 2 FA Cup Finals with the first one in 1894 when Notts County beat Bolton Wanderers 4-1 and then in a 1910 replay Newcastle United took on and beat Barnsley 2-0 in front of a crowd of 60,000. In addition there was one incredible World Cup Quarter Final match played there in July 1966. The 200-1 outsiders North Korea lined out against Portugal and the great Eusebio. The Sunday Post reporter said “he was sitting bemused after 25 minutes as a football fantasy was unfolding in front of his eyes” - the minnows were 3 goals up ! However 2 minutes later Eusebio hit the first of his 4 goals (two were penalties) before Augusta added a fifth in the high scoring game which I watched on our black & white box ! In the semi final Portugal lost 2-1 to the hosts, England but went on to claim third place beating the old Soviet Union side 2-1. Of course there were other memorable

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By Sean McGillan

encounters down the years particularly when the local derbies were played. For the record the home side won 41 times, lost 41 & drew 38 of them. There are many famous Evertonians including several Irish men and of course 2 from the Maiden City. Seamus Coleman from Killybegs was spotted playing for his local club, St. Catherine’s by Sligo Rovers who signed him. He made his debut for them at the Brandywell in October 2006 & moved to England where he has made 427 appearances since 2009. His early departure from the pitch in that last match elicited a standing ovation from the crowd for an amazing stalwart. The special match day programme produced for the game (116 pages) featured the long serving captain being interviewed

by Mike Taylor over 6 pages.

Seamus told him that “once the day’s emotional farewell

is complete, he believed there is every reason - and necessity- for Evertonians to look to the future with genuine optimism.” The good news from the club is that the old ground will continue to rock as the new home of the women’s team. Other long serving Toffees include Kevin Sheedy ( 345 games), Lee Carsley ( 198) & Kevin Kilbane ( 121) ; Daron Gibson from Derry (ex Institute) had 51 games with them while Shane Duffy came through the Youth Academy but only made 5 appearances before going out on loan. Finally Jimmy Hill became our Player Manager in 1968 after a short spell at Goodison where his injuries hampered him making an impact there. He was in charge when City were runners up in the City Cup and led them to the Irish Cup Final in 1971 where they beaten 3-0

by Distillery.

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NEWS FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE

2025 LEAGUE TABLE: Pld Pts Shamrock Rvrs

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36

Drogheda Utd

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30

Bohemians

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30

St. Pat’s Athletic

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29

Shelbourne

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27

DERRY CITY

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27

Galway United

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24

Waterford

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23

Cork City

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13

Sligo Rovers

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Last Round’s Results: FRIDAY 30th MAY Shamrock Rvrs 0-0 Galway Utd Cork CIty 1-1 Shelbourne Bohemian 1-0 DERRY CITY Sligo Rovers 0-1 St Pat’s Athletic Waterford 2-2 Drogheda United

NEXT GAME:

This Round’s Fixtures: FRIDAY 13th JUNE Cork City v Bohemians Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers St Pat’s Athletic v Drogheda Utd DERRY CITY v Galway United SATURDAY 14th MAY Sligo Rovers v Waterford

Derry City vs Drogheda United Friday 27th June, 7.45pm

DERRY CITY LOTTO

Prize Pot: £1,250

Play online now at clubs.clubforce.com 11

REMEMBERING LOST FRIENDS & FAMILY Over the past number of weeks, Derry City FC has noted the passing of several people with long-standing links with the club, and tonight’s pre-match minute’s applause will honour a number of those individuals.

At our last home game we marked the passing of our President, Paul Diamond and around the same time we received notice that two other long standing supporters- Martin Khera and Frank Doherty had also died.

Eamonn Barker- a man who had just seen the Peace Field Project realised at the Brandywell last month was also mourned shortly afterwards.

John Carlin- the father of Brandywell supervisor Paul Carlin is another who is being remembered this even-

ing, as is Bridget Hegarty, mother of our former player and manager Paul Hegarty after Bridget passed away last weekend.

Former stadium announcer Colm Holmes (pictured left) was synonomous with Derry City during his two decades in the role. Colm was a real ‘character’ around the club and there was much sadness at his recent passing.

There was also much sorrow at the recent death of Michael Barr- a well known and popular lifelong fan, and father of our social media officer, Ethan Barr. They are pictured above.

Finally, but by no means least, the club joins with the football community in the city and beyond, following the death of Gerry ‘Doc’ Doherty (pictured right).

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Gerry overseen the devlopment of literally hundreds of young players in the North West and beyond, and the outpouring of grief was testament to the esteem in which he is held in our community and very much at this club.

May all of their gentle souls Rest In Peace.

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C IS FOR CHILDHOOD...

Who were your favourite team as a boy and what got you into them?

LIAM BOYCE

I grew up supporting Manchester United. My daddy watched every game so I watched them all with him.

I would love to go to America and visit a load of different cities though.

I IS FOR IDOL...

Which footballer did you idolise as a boy?

Ruud Van Nistelrooy

D IS FOR DRESS SENSE...

Which Derry City team mate has the worst fashion sense?

Arlo Doherty! Bright pink Crocs and bright pink hoodies is all I need to say!

E IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT...

A IS FOR ANNOYING...

Which team mate would you hate to sit beside on the bus all the way to Cork and why?

Kevin Holt! He makes up or changes the rules of Uno every hand! Would start an argument in empty house as well!

B IS FOR BOX...

What is your favourite TV show? Either at the minute or of all time.

At the minute I would say it’s Moblands, but of all time I’d say The Boys.

It’s your turn to choose the music and the film for the team bus for the boys. What are your choices?

Kevi Forex or Liambo Slice for the music.

For the film I would go for Seven. Most of them definitely haven’t seen it either!

F IS FOR FUNNY...

What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen happen in your time in football?

Conor Burns giving a team talk/ singing after a Cliftonville game!

G IS FOR GOAL...

What’s been the best goal you’ve ever scored?

I’d say my goal for Cliftonville against Lisburn Distillery when I was 18.

H IS FOR HOLIDAY...

What is your favourite holiday destination? Or where would you like to go no expense spared?

Favourite would be Ibiza.

J IS FOR JOKER...

Who is the biggest practical joker in the team?

Carl Winchester easily! But we’re close, so I’m not one of his targets!

K IS FOR KIT...

What has been your favourite football kit that you’ve ever played in or owned?

The yellow Celtic top when NTL was sponsor. Had Larsson on back of it as well.

L IS FOR LIFE AFTER PLAYING...

Do you see yourself staying in football when your playing career is over?

Yeah, I love football and I’ve already done coaching badges so it’s definitely something I’m looking forward to doing.

M IS FOR MEMENTO...

What is the one football memento you own that you’ll

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never give away?

The only Werder Bremen top in the world with No.9 Boyce on the back of it from my time in Germany.

N IS FOR NEXT BIG THING...

Oh, and Patrick McEleney if the staff count as well.

T IS FOR TEAM MATES...

Who is the best player you’ve ever played with?

Johnny Evans or Steven Davis.

Which Derry City player do you think could be the next to make a move overseas?

Sean Patton. He has everything at such young age and is a great lad!

THE TIME...

How do you keep yourself entertained during away trips or overnights?

Play Uno with the rest of the boys and then just stick on a bit of Golf Life on YouTube to fall asleep to.

If you could change places with someone in another sport for a day, who would it be?

LeBron James if it’s only for 1 day.

Which opposition do you look forward to playing the most either this year or every year?

Probably Shamrock Rovers.

Outside of football, do you have any hobbies in your spare time?

Was always into Call Of Duty and I was FIFA champ at every club I’ve been at, but a bit too old for that now so obviously I had to start playing golf!

W IS FOR WHILE AWAY

X IS FOR EXCHANGE...

O IS FOR OPPOSITION...

P IS FOR PASSTIME...

the Premiership though.

U IS FOR UNPARALLELED...

Who is the best player you’ve ever played against?

The obvious one is Van Dijk, but possibly one of the best performances I’ve seen was Miralem Pjanić for Bosnia.

Q IS FOR QUIZ...

Which Derry City team mate would you definitely not want in your team if you were to do a quiz?

I’d say Carl Winchester or Aaron Heaney!

Y IS FOR YOUTH...

Where did you start your youth career, and did you always play in the same position?

I started at Immaculata which was my local team in Divis on the Falls Road. And, no, I was actually a right winger when I first started!

R IS FOR RESULT...

Which result meant the most to you in your career?

Winning the Scottish League Cup with Ross County against Hibs

S IS FOR SKILLS...

Who has the best skills in the team?

Gavin Whyte, Dom Thomas, Glen McCourt... take your pick!

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V IS FOR VEHICLE...

What car do you drive now, and what would you drive if you were in the Premiership?

I drive an Audi Q4 e-tron.

I’d srive a Rolls Royce if I was in

Z IS FOR ZERO CHANCE...

What club would there be no chance of you ever playing for or supporting?

Rangers because my older brother would never speak to me again!

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A

07.03.25

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03.03.25

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28.02.25

18.04.25

H

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L

L

L

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L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

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L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

L

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L

L

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L

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SHELS

CORK

ROVERS

WATERFORD

SLIGO

DROGHEDA

SHELS

BOHS

PATS

GALWAY

CORK

ROVERS

BOHS

SLIGO

WATERFORD

DROGHEDA

PATS

SHELS

GALWAY

BOHS

ROVERS

DROGHEDA

CORK

PATS

SHELS

WATERFORD

SLIGO

GALWAY

DROGHEDA

CORK

ROVERS

SLIGO

GALWAY

PATS

WATERFORD

BOHS

0--1

1--2

1--1

2--1

1--0

2--0

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3--2

1--3

2--1

0--0

1--0

1--1

0--2

1--2

1--0

1--3

A

H

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SCORE

DATE

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

MAHER

1

WHYTE

WHYTE 1

WHYTE 1

O’REILLY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY

WHYTE

DIALLO

HOBAN

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DIALLO

DIALLO CANN

CANN

DOHERTY

THOMAS

THOMAS

CANN

CANN

CANN

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HOLT

HOLT

HOLT

HOLT

L BOYCE

HOLT

WINCHESTER MULLEN

WINCHESTER HOLT HOLT

TODD

TODD

TODD

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER HOLT 1 BENSON

TODD

HOLT

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER MULLEN

WINCHESTER MULLEN 2

WINCHESTER MULLEN 1

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

11

TODD

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

L BOYCE 1

MULLEN 1

L BOYCE 1

TODD

TODD

TODD

L BOYCE 1

PATTON

HOLT

L BOYCE

L BOYCE

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER MULLEN

THOMAS

THOMAS

DIALLO

WINCHESTER HOLT

WINCHESTER TODD

WINCHESTER MULLEN

CANN

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WINCHESTER TODD

WINCHESTER HOLT

MCMULLAN CANN

WHYTE

THOMAS

THOMAS

THOMAS

CANN

MCMULLAN CANN

WHYTE

WHYTE

WHYTE

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

BENSON

BENSON

BENSON1

BENSON

CANN

8 THOMAS

MCMULLAN DOHERTY CANN

DOHERTY

DOHERTY

MCMULLAN WHYTE

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

6

MCMULLAN DOHERTY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

O’REILLY

HOBAN

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

O’REILLY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY

HARKIN

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

O’REILLY

CONNOLLY DUFFY

CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

R BOYCE 1 DUFFY 1

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

5

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

CONNOLLY DUFFY

R BOYCE

4

FERGUSON CONNOLLY DUFFY 1

3

FERGUSON HARKIN

R BOYCE

R BOYCE

2

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BENSON

MULLEN

BENSON

BENSON

TODD

R BOYCE

HOBAN

HOBAN

HARKIN

WHYTE

PATTON

PATTON

THOMAS

L BOYCE

MULLEN

TODD

THOMAS

MULLEN

O’REILLY

WHYTE

BENSON

McMULLAN BENSON

McMULLAN THOMAS

McMULLAN MULLEN

BENSON

MCMULLAN BENSON

DOHERTY

PATTON

15

PATTON

PATTON

16

L BOYCE

DOHERTY THOMAS

DOHERTY MULLEN 1

MULLEN

TODD

TODD

L BOYCE 1 PATTON

L BOYCE

TODD

PATTON

PATTON

DOHERTY TODD

McMULLAN CANN

FERGUSON HARKIN

O’REILLY

MCMULLAN CANN

FERGUSON WHYTE

WHYTE

BENSON

DIALLO

14

McMULLAN BENSON

FERGUSON HARKIN

HOBAN

HARKIN

HOBAN 1

HOBAN

McMULLAN WHYTE

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2025 STARTING XI TEAM GRID

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TONIGHT’S SQUADS DERRY CITY F.C.

GALWAY UNITED F.C.

1 - BRIAN MAHER 2 - RONAN BOYCE 3 - SHANE FERGUSON 4 - CIARON HARKIN 6 - MARK CONNOLLY 7 - MICHAEL DUFFY 8 - ADAM O’REILLY 9 - PATRICK HOBAN 10 - PAUL MCMULLAN 11 - GAVIN WHYTE 13 - ROBBIE BENSON 14 - BEN DOHERTY 15 - SADOU DIALLO 16 - HAYDEN CANN 17 - DOM THOMAS 20 - CARL WINCHESTER 21 - DANNY MULLEN 22 - KEVIN HOLT 23 - CAMERON DUMMIGAN 24 - SAM TODD 26 - ARLO DOHERTY 27 - LIAM BOYCE 32 - SEAN PATTON 34 - CALLUM DOHERTY 35 - GLENN MCCOURT 41 - COLE SMYTH

1 - BRENDAN CLARKE 2 - CIAN BYRNE 3 - REGAN DONELON 4 - ROB SLEVIN 5 - KILLIAN BROUDER 7 - STEPHEN WALSH 8 - GREG CUNNINGHAM 9 - MOSES DYER 10 - DAVID HURLEY 12 - SEAN KERRIGAN 15 - PATRICK HICKEY 16 - EVAN WATTS 17 - VINCENT BORDEN 18 - BOBBY BURNS 19 - MAX WILSON 20 - JIMMY KEOHANE 21 - COLM HORGAN 22 - CONOR MCCORMACK 24 - ED MCCARTHY 26 - GARRY BUCKLEY 28 - BRIAN CUNNINGHAM 29 - CILLIAN TOLLETT 32 - ANDREW KEMPE 33 - JEANNOT ESUA

Manager: TIERNAN LYNCH

Manager: JOHN CAULFIELD

Tonight’s Match Sponsors:

LOGISTICS PLUS IRELAND 18 Waterloo Place, Derry BT48 6BU 21

More Powerful Together 22

23 ANSWERS: SHIRT NUMBER MATHS: Carl Winchester (20) + Robbie Benson (13) - Mark Connolly (6) = Liam Boyce (27) SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: 1) Danny Mullan has appeared in the background; 2) The linesman’s flag is now down; 3) DCFC has disappeared from Michael Duffy’s socks; 4) Badge has disappeared from Tiernan Lynch’s tracksuit; 5) Hayden Cann’s head has disappeared from behind Mark Connolly

Can you spot the FIVE differences between the two photos?

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Can you do the maths with the shirt numbers to find out the name of the hidden Derry City player?

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SHIRT NUMBER MATHS CHALLENGE Send us in your photos and drawings to citycubs@derrycityfc.net and we’ll get them printed on the City Cubs page in the programme!!

CITY CUBS CORNER

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Home & Away Live Match Commentary From our Match Night Live team on 105.3fm and online at www.drive105.co.uk

Drive105mnl 28

FANZONE: MEET THE FANS Christopher Wade is tonight’s entrant into Derry City’s Cityview Fanzone page. Chris, a keen supporter of some 30 years has some very interesting views to share. Welcome to the Fanzone Chris.

tion I’d have to say Ronaldinho Why? Fahey just made things look easy and Ronaldinho was a genius, even if it was just a friendly!

What’s the best ground, apart from the Brandywell, that you’ve seen Derry play in?

I’ll stick to domestic grounds and go with Tallaght Stadium, credit where credits due What goal sticks out in your mind?

Kevin McHugh league cup winner against Bohemians in 2007

Name: Christopher Wade How long have you been supporting Derry City?

About 30 years Where do you sit in the Brandywell?

I sit in the Mark Farren Stand

Why? It was a rocket of a goal and it won us the cup Name your best Derry City team (you can pick from any era) One to Eleven with Three subs

GK - David Forde RB - Simon Madden LB - Danny Lafferty CB - Darren Kelly CB - Peter Hutton CM - Barry Molloy CM - Ciaran Martyn CM - Patrick McEleney FW - Paddy McCourt ST - Liam Coyle ST - Johnny Speak Subs Kevin McHugh Brian Maher James McClean Best manager you’ve seen at Derry City?

Stephen Kenny Favourite half time snack?

Battered Sausage with curry sauce What one thing would you introduce that you feel would improve the match day experience?

A shop

Best Player you’ve seen playing for the Candystripes?

Has to be Liam Coyle Why? Liam was a step above everybody else, touch, vision, skill and scorer of some of the best ever goals in the Brandywell.

Best opposition player you’ve seen play?

Domestically I’d say Keith Fahey, for European opposi-

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SURPRISING SOCCER STARS WHO’VE TRIED GAA There are plenty of stories of Irish footballers who grew up playing both football and GAA. Kevin Moran being the most obvious, but even John O’Shea, Seamus Coleman and even former Candystripe Niall McGinn all played GAA to a high level before deciding to go down the soccer route. But there are a few strange examples of players you really wouldn’t expect to be dabbling in the world of GAA. DARREN FLETCHER Former Manchester United and Scotland star Fletcher’s mum was Bridie Fletcher, nee Gielty, a native of Dooagh on Achill Island, Co Mayo. Darren was a regular visitor to Mayo as a youth where he developed his love for Gaelic football.

In 2013, Fletcher even opted to attend the All-Ireland final between Mayo and Dublin ahead of the Manchester derby when he was out with an injury.

“I tried to play a little bit of

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By Andrew Cassidy Gaelic football when I used to come over on holidays. Not very successfully though! I was better when the ball was on the ground. It’s a really entertaining game though and a really great sport to watch,” he said at the time.

XABI ALONSO Recently appointed Real Madrid manager Alonso had a spectacular playing career, but you’d never know that he enjoyed playing GAA as a youngster!

In fact, Alonso knows the country well having travelled to the Emerald Isle to study English as a teenager, spending those days in Kells, Co Meath.

During that time, he is said to have picked up a few GAA skills and remembers the days fondly.

“I came here at 14 to Kells. I enjoyed my time here. It’s always great to come back, I feel that connection since then plus my Liverpool years as well, that connection is really strong.” he said during a press conference the last time he was in Dublin for the Europa League Final in 2024.

“I played Gaelic football with some of the local boys.

It was very different, very physical,” he recalled. “The players should wear crash helmets.”

The Spanish students regularly congregated at the local GAA pitch each summer, and it was there Alonso was exposed to Gaelic football and hurling.

Fidelma and Liam O’Brien

housed and looked after Spanish students for several summers, including the young Xabi Alonso; “The time he was here, it rained nearly every day, but Xabi was out all the time. He’d be down the Grove or over in Rockfield playing football, he was always out playing football.

“And it was noticed that he was a bit special, it definitely was recognised at the time that he was talented. And he wasn’t going around wrapped in cotton wool either, he’d go out there with the boys and whoever was about they’d play for hours.”

CRISTIANO RONALDO Cristiano Ronaldo is known around the planet for his soccer skills but not too many will remember his attempts to play a bit of hurling.

It all came about when Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid. His debut for his new club was supposed to be at a global event,

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SURPRISING SOCCER STARS WHO’VE TRIED GAA continued...

but thanks to some prior commitments, his first appearance was actually pencilled in for Dublin. It was the year that Tallaght Stadium finally opened its doors and welcomed in Shamrock Rovers. As part of a number of glamour friendlies that summer to celebrate the new stadium, Real Madrid were arranged to visit, prior to the arrival of Ronaldo.

The Spanish giants based them-

selves at Carton House in Kildare as part of their pre-season preparations, and a group of 30 lucky Irish children got to visit them as part of a competition run by Adidas.

During their visit with Manuel Pellegrini’s side, a number of hurls were dug out and Ronaldo got to enjoy his first go at Hurling. As it turns out, he wasn’t much good and decided to stick to the soccer!

JACK GREALISH A bit of a controversial one perhaps to describe Jack Grealish as not Irish seeing as he played for Ireland at underage level, but he is English at the end of the day and is now an English Senior declared footballer!

Grealish has stated “I wasn’t really into other sports growing up but I loved Gaelic,” Grealish

said in an interview with the Times.

In 2009, aged 14, Grealish scored a point representing Warwickshire GAA at Croke Park during half-time of the All-Ireland Senior Football.

Playing with Warwickshire GAA while going though the youth system at Aston Villa, his soccer club wanted to bring a stop to playing GAA when he was young. “When I was 13, Villa told me I need to stop because it’s rough. I still played now and then until I was 15. It helped me develop. When I was young I was always playing above my age but I struggled physically. But getting kicked around at Gaelic, getting shoulderbarged, it helped”.

As far as I’m aware, there’s no connection whatsoever though to the Galway hurler also called Jack Grealish!

WITH SINCERE THANKS FROM THE FAMILY OF PAUL DIAMOND The family of Paul Diamond would like to express our deepest gratitude to Philip O’Doherty, Tiernan Lynch, and all at Derry City Football Club for the overwhelming support, kindness, and compassion shown during this difficult time as we mourn the loss of Paul.

We are especially thankful for your presence at the funeral and the moving guard of honor — a moment that brought great comfort to our family and served as a fitting tribute to Paul’s lifelong association with the club.

We also deeply appreciate the many tributes and the moment of applause at the recent Derry City vs Shamrock Rovers game. Your thoughtfulness has meant so much to us, and we are truly touched by the care shown by the club and its supporters.

As a family, we hope to continue with Paul’s support and love for the club, and we wish you every success in the seasons ahead.

With deepest gratitude, Mary, Niall, Gerard and all the Diamond family.

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CANDYSTRIPES & TRIBESMEN: PLAYERS WHO HAVE PLAYED FOR BOTH

By Pól O’Hare

CONOR MCCORMACK

Conor McCormack left Manchester United in 2008 after a lack of first-team opportunities and joined Triestina Calcio in Italy. Two and half years and no senior appearances later, he signed for Shamrock Rovers and played a role in their Europa League group stage campaign of 2011 as a 21 year old. McCormack signed for Derry City for the first time in 2015 following a season and a half at St Patrick’s Athletic before leaving for Cork City in late 2016, where he would win the Premier Division title a year later. The Louth native, who has made more than 400 career appearances, rejoined the Candystripes in 2020 as club captain but left for Galway United in 2021. Now 35, he captained the Tribesmen to the First Division title in 2023 and to a fifth placed finish on their return to the Premier Division in 2024.

After

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TADHG RYAN leaving Huddersfield

Town in 2018, Tadhg Ryan signed for Galway United – then in the First Division. He left after one season and lined out for Cork City, Waterford, Treaty United and Bohemians before signing for Derry City ahead of the 2023 campaign.

He was named Treaty United’s Player of the Year in 2021, before making 13 appearances as a Bohemians player prior to his move to Foyleside. The 28 year old was limited to appearances only in the FAI Cup and in friendlies for the Candystripes thanks to the consistency of Brian Maher. Ryan moved to Glenavon in the NIFL Premiership and has made eight league appearances since joining in January, helping his side stay in the division. If you’re a regular in Derry’s pubs, you’ll probably have heard him singing too.

COLM HORGAN Colm Horgan came through the youth system at Salthill Devon before signing for Galway United in 2014. After four years, the defender moved to Cork City and scored ten minutes into his debut against Bohemians April 2018. He spent the lockdown-disrupted 2020 season with Derry City, before moving to Sligo Rovers in 2021. Horgan was part of the Galway United side that won the First Division in 2023, alongside Conor McCormack, and has surpassed 180 appearances for the Tribesmen.

RORY HALE

Belfast native, and grandson of Derry City legend Danny Hale, Rory Hale joined the Candystripes alongside his brother Ronan ahead of the 2018 season. He came through the youth ranks at Aston Villa, captaining their Under 23 side, before joining Galway United in 2017. An attacking midfielder by trade, the then 21 year old scored a rocket against Dundalk on the final game of the 2017 campaign. Hale scored the winning goal for Derry City in the League Cup semi-final against Sligo Rovers in 2018 – a tournament which City would go on to win that year. After 40 appearances in red and white, and a year at Crusaders, the midfielder joined Cliftonville in 2021. He has surpassed a century of appearances for The Reds and won the Irish Cup in 2024, with his brother Ronan bagging a brace against rivals Linfield in the final.

LIVE FOR IT

John Murphy e: johnmurphy@oneills.com m: 07870 158211

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CANDYSTRIPES & TRIBESMEN continued...

ARMIN AGANOVIC Swedish defender Armin Aganovic began his career with Mjällby AIF, making 18 appearances between 2013 and 2015. After a loan at Kristianstad in 2014, where he netted 7 goals from centre back, the 21 year old signed for Galway Untied in 2016. He impressed at Eamon Deacy Park, and following a move to Raufoss IL in the Norwegian third tier, where he again bagged 7 goals, Aganovic joined Derry City ahead of the 2018 campaign. Aganovic made just two appearances in red and white before mutually agreeing to cancel his contract. He did, however, score on his City debut against Waterford and now plies his trade at back at Kristianstad FC, aged 31.

BASTIEN HÉRY

A joy to watch on his day, Madagascan midfielder Bastien Héry made his Waterford debut against Derry City in February 2018. A product of Paris Saint Germain’s academy, Héry played for Rochdale, Carlisle United and Accrington Stanley in the English Football League

before moving to Limerick in 2017. After impressing in his season in Limerick, Héry became integral in the Waterford midfield and won the club’s Player of the Year and Goal of the Season awards in 2018. A move to Linfield in July 2019 followed, before switching to Bohemians in 2021. After a solitary start in Phibsborough, Héry signed for Derry on loan that July – failing to score in eleven appearances. Now 33, the midfielder finds himself at Athlone Town in the First Division after spells at Finn Harps, Galway United and Longford Town.

MIKEY PLACE Versatile midfielder Mikey Place began his League of Ireland career with Sligo Rovers, breaking into the senior team in 2016. He made 21 appearances for the Bit’O’Red, scoring once, before moving to Derry City in July 2017. Place spent just half a season with the Candystripes before moving to Finn Harps in 2018. He was top scorer at Finn Park that campaign as Harps gained promotion back to the Premier Division, before leaving to sign for Galway United ahead of the 2020 season. After eight goal contributions in two years for the Tribesmen, Place signed for Ballymena United in January 2022. After more than 100 appearances with the Sky Blues, he signed for Finn Harps ahead of the 2025 season.

his entire career in the League of Ireland, starting out with Mervue United as a 17 year old in 2010. He has had three separate stints with Mervue, three stints at Galway United and two stints at Athlone Town, alongside spells at Salthill Devon, Derry City, Longford Town and Treaty United. Curran made four appearances in his first campaign with Galway United, back in 2011. He joined Derry City ahead of the 2014 campaign and scored twice in eleven games before leaving for Galway United midway through the season. Curran netted thirteen goals in 26 games in the Premier Division in 2015 before joining Longford Town in 2017. Moves to Athlone Town and back to Mervue United followed before Curran was once again back in Galway, this time in 2020. He signed for Treaty United after another spell at Mervue and racked up 46 goals in Limerick, including one against Derry City in the semi-final of the FAI Cup in 2022. Aged 32, he retired from League of Ireland football in January of this year after nearly 300 appearances in all.

ENDA CURRAN Striker Enda Curran has played

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This week... Derry City fan... MARK GALLAGHER 1. Which country is to be the host of the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?

4.

2. Which team won the 2024/25 Russian League this season by one point over Zenit St Petersberg?

3. Moses Dyer has worn number 9 for Galway United since January this year, but which former Candystripe wore it before him?

4. Can you name the former Liverpool star pictured on the right as a young boy?

5. Which English club’s former crest features a quote in Lat-

7. in that translates as ‘To dare is to do’?

6. Which club finished in last place in this season’s La Liga with only 16 points?

7. Celtic signed Chris Sutton from Chelsea in 2000, but who did he sign for after leaving Celtic in 2006?

8. Who set the record as the oldest player ever to play for Galway United when he played against Cobh Ramblers on August 30th 2008?

MARK’S ANSWERS: 1) USA; 2) No idea!; 3) I can only think Enda Curran but it wasn’t him; 4) Can’t make him out; 5) Spurs; 6) Don’t know; 7) Villa?; 8) Don’t know

MARK’S SCORE: 2 out of 8! Can you beat it?

ANSWERS: 1) United States; 2) FC Krasnodar; 3) Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe; 4) Luis Suárez; 5) Tottenham Hotspur (Audere est facere); 6) Real Valladolid CF; 7) Birmingham City; 8) Jeff Kenna

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BE THE CHALLENGER! CONTACT ANDREW@DERRYCITYFC.NET

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